| Resolution of the issue or concern (NOTE: Please describe what actions you have taken) |
Hello Ms. Spauldling,
In the City of Erie, any tree that is between the sidewalk and the curb is in the City Right-of-Way. What people are sometimes unaware of is that even though a tree is in the City right-of-way, it is still the responsibility of the abutting homeowner to care for it, just like it is the property owners' responsibility to mow the grass and shovel and maintain the sidewalks. The City does however try to help homeowners remove dead and/or dying trees through our Urban Forest Program. Due to so many people requesting City help, there are currently over 250 people on the waiting list with about a five year wait.
Even though property owners are responsible for the trees in the right of way, before removing a dead tree, performing work on an existing tree, or planting a new tree within the right-of-way, property owners are required to fill out a permit application. Property owners do NOT need permission to remove or plant trees in their front, side, or back yards.
The permit process is there to make sure folks do not cut down healthy trees without a just reason. It is also there to provide an opportunity to give advice about the types of new trees to plant for each site based on spacing requirements for different sized trees, size of the right-of-way, distance to intersections, power lines, etc. I evaluate the tree and make some recommendations for those who have questions about the health of their tree, etc.
When requesting to remove a DEAD tree, property owners may request to remove the tree themselves (by hiring a contractor) or they may request the City to remove trees. The City also hires contractors to do this work, who are trained professionals in the tree care industry. All requests for the City to remove trees go onto a waiting list, on a first-come-first-serve basis, according to the date of their application. The City will only agree to remove dead or dying trees. The City never removes healthy trees for property owners.
Upon approval of a tree removal permit, property owners may then hire a contractor to have the tree removed and work may begin at any time. Many contractors are willing to provide quotes free of charge. I recommend verifying that contractors are fully insured.
For those who request that the City remove the tree for them by indicating this on the bottom of the removal application, their tree will then await its turn on the City’s removal list. The waiting list is very long with hundreds of trees on it. Therefore, the City only removes dead and severely dying trees. Because of so many requests for trees to be removed by the City, there is approximately a five-year wait.
Unfortunately, the City is not able to help with pruning of trees or removing healthy trees.
I hope this helps answer some of your questions. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to email or call me. Unfortunately, a large portion of my work duties requires that I am out of the office quite a bit, assessing trees etc. If I am out when you call, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Sarah Peelman, City Arborist
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